Lynna walked into the busy marketplace, attracted by its lively atmosphere. Each vendor stall displayed an array of goods, some familiar, others newly acquired novelties. The aroma of fresh-baked bread and ripe fruits filled the air, tempting every passerby. Amid this bustling hubbub, she spotted Madam Arvelle, the wife of a prominent merchant.
"Madam Arvelle," Lynna said, noting the sudden look of apprehension on the woman's face.
"Lady Lynna," Madam Arvelle acknowledged with a curt nod, her tone cold and distant. "What brings you to our market today?"
Hoping to broach the delicate subject tactfully, Lynna replied, "My family mentioned that they had approached yours with a proposal of sorts... About... your son and me… meeting up." Lynna wanted to ask her to forget about this ridiculous request right away, especially since she hadn't even been consulted about it.
Madam Arvelle fiddled with her necklace, avoiding Lynna's gaze. "Ah yes, we heard about it. But with all due respect, Lady Lynna, our families run in different circles, and I don't think he would be the right match for someone of your position. It would be best if things stayed as they are."
Lynna's heart stung at the rejection. Even if she had intended for this result, this direct refusal left her sad. She was reminded of her family's constant nagging to find a husband. She had hoped that upon her coming of age, she would gain more respect and people would take her more seriously, but life proved otherwise. Her title as the official mage of the town and the youngest graduate of the Academy of Magic came with many downsides, especially in how others perceived her. Almost all people either treated her with awe or fear, fear being the more common reaction.
Lynna set the matter aside and refocused. "But that's not the main reason I'm here. I've come to investigate unusual changes in the village. Have you observed anything different?"
Lynna wasn't here merely out of personal curiosity. Several months after her incident, she had directly received an official missive. The Academy of Magic had asked her to probe into any suspicious occurrences in the village. The nature of this request was as vague and unusual as she could have imagined.
Madam Arvelle thought for a moment, then with a touch of unease, she answered, "Nothing out of the ordinary... Since those strange... adventures of yours in the forest. Is your wound healing well, my dear?"
Lynna nodded. "It's almost completely healed, but it took several months."
"Steia be praised, my dear— I mean, Lady Lynna. You're truly unlucky with the church's miracles." Madam Arvelle used to call her "dear" when she was a child, Lynna recalled. She couldn't help but wonder why her relationships had changed so much. Was it because she was now a fully-fledged mage from the Academy? And why were mages and magic in general so feared by people, whereas the Gods were revered and loved? This duality left her with a bitter feeling of injustice.
Lynna thanked the woman and began to make her way through the market. After several brief steps between the stands, something struck her. The village had changed, and she couldn't distinguish between the natural progress of time and what might be unusual. The roads seemed better maintained, stalls showcased richer fabrics, more exotic fruits, and even the most modest vendors appeared to thrive. The village was far more prosperous than she remembered from four years ago. Yet with all this progress, she felt a palpable tension in the air, as if the village was brewing something.